Prospect High students champions in fight against blood cancer
Three Prospect High School students are among the members of a team dedicated to raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which is dedicated to fighting blood cancer worldwide.
The 16-year-old students, Amogh Jadala, John Ciok and River Newsted, are on the Champions for a Cure team. The team consists of 14 students, including 10 high schoolers, three middle schoolers and one adult.
Ciok was a member of a team last year with his sister Molly. Together they raised over $11,000 and wanted to take on the challenge of leading a full team this year.
“This is one of the most common diseases that young people suffer from,” said Ciok, who pointed out that one of the aims of the campaign is to involve people at a younger age.
Newsted said he was recruited by Ciok and then grew in his commitment by listening to the stories of survivors and family members who were touched by the diseases.
“It really inspired me, and made me realize how real and serious these cancers are and how we have to do something to fight against them,” he said.
Jadala said he has friends and family members who have battled cancer. He said he realized he can make a personal impact in the fight against the disease.
Team members are currently involved in a seven-week 2025 LLS Student Visionaries Campaign that ends on March 15.
The group has been active spreading the word. They have met with state legislators and other advocates. Last week, Jadala, Ciok and Newsted spoke before the Mount Prospect Village Board.
As they pursue their efforts, team members have also developed greater awareness of such area resources as food pantries and clinics.
Among the events the team has spearheaded was a fundraiser at Mount Prospect’s Khepri Cafe. Mount Prospect businesses like Capannari Ice Cream, Chokshi Filippone Law and Langehaumer Construction have also joined the campaign.
A blood drive is scheduled to take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the cafeteria at Lincoln Middle School, 700 W. Lincoln St., Mount Prospect. You can make an online appointment at tinyurl.com/Blood-Drive-2-27-25.
In addition, the group is collecting items for care packages for Lemons of Love, which sends them to hospitals and oncology centers.
“I think it's great that you highlight the fact that you're getting involved now so you can have a lifetime of advocacy,” Mount Prospect Trustee Colleen Saccotelli told the group at the village board meeting. “Unfortunately, all of us have been touched by cancer in some way.”